Wallace
Black Elk (1921-2004)
was a traditional Lakota Elder, Medicine Man, Sundance Chief
and Spiritual Leader descendent of the legendary
Nicholas Black Elk whose visionary experiences
were recounted in the book "Black Elk Speaks."
Grandfather Wallace was born and raised on the Rosebud
Reservation in South Dakota and had been trained since early childhood
in the sacred ways of his peoples traditions. He passed away on
January 25, 2004 at his home in Denver, Colorado.
Wallace
was known and loved around the world and will be missed by many.
A great soul, a champion of truth. He carried a message of peace
and unity to all who would listen. As one of the original spiritual
advisors to the American Indian Movement, Black Elk was present
at the occupation of Wounded Knee and was instrumental in the
passage of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act in 1978.
As
a international lecturer, Black Elk taught traditional Lakota
spiritual ways of life throughout the U.S., France, Germany, Switzerland,
Egypt, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, and Australia. As a Native
American representative to the United Nations, he addressed United
Nations meetings in New York and the International Non-Governmental
Organizations Conference in Geneva, Switzerland. Black Ellk will
be remembered by all who were touched by his wisdom.
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